Women honoured at annual awards gala
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/03/2023 (1102 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Strength, resilience, dedication and determination are only some of the words that would describe the women nominated for the 34th annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, held at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium on Thursday evening.
The common thread between all of these amazing women is their dedication to inspiring other women and creating positive outcomes in their communities.
More than 200 people attended the Women of Distinction Awards on March 9 to celebrate this year’s nominees. The gala event is the YWCA’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting women and families in need by providing shelter, programs and services.
The 2023 Women of Distinction award winners (from left): Sophia Smoke, Kori Gordan, Heather Day, Susan Ainsworth, Dr. Poonam Singh, Amari Stocks, Shannon Mckenzie and Shannon Saltarelli. (Mariah Phillips, for The Brandon Sun)
The evening began with some delicious appetizers and desserts prepared by Aida’s Catering. Folks were able to enjoy a beverage and socialize before the awards began. There is something so special about the Women of Distinction event. The air in the room was magical, celebrating amazing women, being among friends; it was a beautiful and comforting atmosphere.
YWCA board member Jessica Saler helped organize this year’s event along with an incredible team consisting of Candice Waddell-Henowitch, Alix Coucill, Archana krishnan, Jessica Burton, Alisha Levesque and Joy Escalera.
“It was a tough year with a lot of changes, and they really stepped up when it was needed,” Saler said, adding a special thank you to the staff at the YWCA.
“They may be behind the scenes, but they are the reason the YWCA is able to help people the way they do.”
Congratulations to all the nominees this year and thank you for making the world a better place.
The following is a list of the award winners and a quote from each woman on what winning the award means to her.
Susan Ainsworth, Agriculture Award: “One of the nominees said it best when she said we don’t go out and do what we do to get recognition. It’s certainly lovely to get the recognition and to be appreciated but I think it’s just nice to be able to celebrate with other women.”
Heather Day, Business Leadership Award: “The acknowledgment of all the hard work you put in.”
Shannon Saltarelli, Community Leadership and Social Action Award: “A huge honour to be amongst so many other amazing women. Showcasing the work that women are doing in many different sectors through all walks of life in our city. It’s just really special to take the time in an evening to recognize women and celebrate women and all that we are doing in our community. It’s very special for me.”
Shannon McKenzie, Education and Mentorship Award: “It means that even just the smallest things can really matter.”
Kori Gordon, Healthy Living Recreation and Wellness Award: “Oddly enough, it means I don’t feel inconsequential anymore. I’m recognized and finally feel like people to know that natural wellness exists and the hard work I put in is paying off.”
Dr. Poonam Singh, Science Technology and Trade Award: “It’s a huge thing. It’s a big accomplishment for me. Especially being a first-generation immigrant. When we came here about 10 years ago like even getting to our original professions in which me and my husband are trained. It was such a big thing like once we got here. Every day we look back on this opportunity that Canada gave us to work in our actual fields and we have to give back. That drives me a lot that I have to work every day more hard and I have to create opportunities for other people, other immigrants, other women, who are like me.”
Amari Stocks, Young Trailblazers (17 and under): “To be recognized in this capacity amongst such amazing women is an incredible honour. As a young woman they are all such incredible role models to me and just to be nominated tonight is such an honour and to win this award along with Sophia is such an honour and I am so incredibly thankful.”
Sophia Smoke, Young Trailblazers (17 and under): “Every time that someone tells you can’t do something you are totally capable of doing just do it. Just take any hurt you feel and burn it to fuel your passions and determination.”
